ततो द्वन्द्वानभिघातः॥४८॥
tatah = consequently; dvandva = by the opposites; anabhighaataH = not afflicted
Sw. Satchidananda
“Thereafter, one is undisturbed by the dualities.”
Bryant
“From this, one is not afflicted by the dualities of the opposites.”
Taimni
“From that no assaults from the pairs of opposites.”
Discussion
In the previous two sutras we learned how to make the asana steady and comfortable. The present sutra tells us that when the asana has been mastered, we can get over any influence from the pairs of opposites. These pairs of opposites can include heat and cold, hunger and thirst, pleasure and pain etc. This freedom from the pairs of opposites is a direct result of the effort and concentration involved in making the asana firm and comfortable. In mastering the asana, we have been focusing either on the experience of the asana or meditating on the “ananta” (infinite) which can free the mind from bodily sensations of heat and cold etc., as well as any mental distractions like hunger and thirst, honor or dishonor etc. This freedom from the dualities will also be helpful in our practices of pranayama, pratyahara (sense withdrawal) and finally meditation and samadhi. It will also help us develop a strong will-power so necessary for undertaking long periods of meditation.
Does this sutra imply that we can completely eliminate our need for food or drink? I don’t believe so. It just means that while we are in meditation we will not be distracted by these dualities of life (“dvandvas”). In general, I believe that by mastering the asana as given in sutras 2.46 and 2.47, we will become much less sensitive to any influence from these pairs of opposites.
Leave a Reply